Conjunctivitis, also known as ‘red-eye’ or ‘pink-eye’ is an eye condition caused by an allergy or by an infection or other irritant. Whatever the cause it usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment.
NHS Information for Patients
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis – caused by allergy
Allergic conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander. It leads to eyes watering, redness, itching, clear watery discharge, and puffy swelling of the eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis always affects both eyes and unlike infections, allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious.
Treatments include antihistamine preparations and eye drops which ideally should be taken before the irritating symptoms arise. So hay-fever sufferers who might be anticipating a day of troublesome symptoms should take their tablet first thing in the morning before exposure to the allergens.
Another strategy is to avoid the allergen that triggers the symptoms but that is not always possible. Cold compresses can also provide relief from irritation.
Pharmacy Treatments
Speak to a pharmacist about allergic conjunctivitis. They can give you advice and help confirm if the conjunctivitis is being caused by an allergy or another cause.
There are eyedrops which specifically reduce allergic eye reactions, or perhaps an antihistamine tablet will be recommended to provide a more general treatment where more than one allergic symptom is arising. [This us usually the case where hay-fever is causing a more general problem]
Conjunctivitis – caused by an infection
Infected conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is caused by bacteria or viruses, leading to redness, swelling, itching, and sticky discharge. Bacterial cases can produce thick pus, while viral infections cause a watery discharge. It spreads easily through contact. Treatment includes antibiotic drops for bacterial infections, while viral cases usually resolve on their own.
Infected conjunctivitis can affect both eyes but it usually starts in one and then infects the other because it is quite contagious.
Pharmacy Treatments
Speak to a pharmacist about infected conjunctivitis. They can give you advice and help decide if the conjunctivitis is indeed being caused by an infection. They can supply antibiotic drops for patients over 2 years old. [under 2 years need to see a doctor]
Conjunctivitis – caused by irritants
Irritable conjunctivitis, or pink eye can be caused by various irritants such as swimming pool chlorine, eye makeup, contact-lens solutions, smoke, fumes, chopping onions and so on, all leading to redness, swelling, itching, watery runny eyes and watery discharge.
Irritable conjunctivitis is not contagious and it affects both eyes if both are exposed to the irritant.
Pharmacy & Other Treatments
- Artificial tears: Use lubricating eye drops to relieve burning and irritation
- Cold compress: Place a cold cloth over your eyes to temporarily ease itching
- Wash with water: Rinse your eyes using an eye-bath with Optrex or saline solution to relieve symptoms, or to remove traces of smoke or dust
- Avoid known irritants: Try to avoid things that irritate and trigger your symptoms like smoky environments.
NHS Advice is to see a GP if…
- your baby has red, sticky eyes – get an urgent appointment if your baby is less than 30 days old
- you wear contact lenses and have conjunctivitis symptoms as well as spots on your eyelids – you might be allergic to the lenses
- you have conjunctivitis and your symptoms have not cleared up within 7 days
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/conjunctivitis
Ask for an urgent appointment, or phone NHS111 if you experience
- pain in your eyes
- sensitivity to light
- changes in your vision, like wavy lines or flashing
- very red eyes (1 eye or both eyes)
- a baby less than 30 days old with red, sticky eyes
These can be signs of a more serious eye problem.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.